Psychology (BS) - Natural Science

About

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Appalachian State University’s Psychology (BS) - Natural Science degree is designed for students interested in going into a number of different health professions. This concentration allows students to take the required science courses for admissions into their desired health professions program.

In this degree, you will have the opportunity to learn from faculty throughout the Department of Psychology who are expert researchers and teachers. Students often participate with faculty in research projects and are encouraged to pursue an internship, two opportunities that offer practical experience.

After Graduation

A vast majority of students pursue an advanced degree in a medical or health profession.

Career Exploration website

Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association

People

Faculty Profile: Dr. Mark Zrull
Dr. Mark Zrull teaches students about the brain and offers them opportunities to conduct research in his psychology laboratory.

Meet more faculty
Student Profile: Hannah Godfrey

As an undergraduate, Godfrey is conducting neuroscience research in Dr. Mark Zrull’s lab. She works to investigate an area of the brain called the entorhinal cortex and its relationship to learning and memory.

Courses

Related Programs

Minors

A minor is not required, but it is possible to complete with a Natural Science concentration.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Appalachian State University Chapter of Psi Chi - A chapter the national honor society in psychology sponsored by the American Psychological Association. It is open to students who complete nine hours of psychology course and meet a cumulative GPA requirements.
Students in the department are involved with research presentation days and competitions through the Council on Undergraduate Research, including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Southeastern Psychological Association - a regional psychological association affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA).

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Degrees

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Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

The Natural Science concentration prepares students for the specific admissions exams to their health profession.
Students at both the undergraduate and graduate level participate in research with faculty on a volunteer basis or for academic credit. Each semester, approximately 70-100 students participate in research per semester.
Students are encouraged to pursue an internship with the help of the department’s internship coordinator.
The Department of Psychology offers four graduate degrees in clinical, school, experimental psychology, and industrial/organizational-human resources management.
Scholarships are available through the department.

Location

Boone and Hickory

Careers

Some of these jobs require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Health Club Manager
Health Educator
Health Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Psychiatrist
Public Health Statistician

View more career possibilities

Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Psychology

Dr. Rose Mary Webb
Chair
webbrm@cjpk.net
828-262-2272

Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology
Appalachian’s Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology serves more than 1,000 undergraduate majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, as well as 80 graduate students in three master’s programs (experimental psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management) and the clinical psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program. Learn more at http://psych.cjpk.net.

College of Arts and Sciences
Appalachian’s Largest College

The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

By the Numbers
- 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
- More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
- 93 majors offered
- 53 minors offered
- 6,411 undergraduate majors
- More than 460 full-time faculty members
- 41,203 living alumni
- $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
- $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year
Graduate Programs

Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

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